BRIEF COMPANY HISTORY

A common thread has run through our company history for over 50 years.  That common thread is commitment to the customer needs, and a commitment to provide responsive, quality care for our customers.  These simple but profound commitments have made us the market leader and the reason we are, more often than not, chosen over other people to provide equipment, tools, and supplies to our customers.

Ray Whitton founded Whitton Supply in 1945.  Shortly thereafter, in 1962, employee John Hessel purchased the company.  John continued to build the business by purchasing A M Supply in May 1982.  In 1984, Mr. Hessel started Hessel Holding Co., Inc. because of his diverse business holdings and the rapid growth of the industry.  John continued to build Hessel Holding Company by purchasing Contractors Supply in December 1990.  This new format of companies has allowed us the ability to continue to grow rapidly; care for our customers needs and venture into other related areas, such as GSA Contracting.

All three companies maintain their own inventory, sales staff, accounts receivable and accounts payable departments.  John Hessel oversees all three companies on a daily basis but has individual managers who perform day to day operations.   Numerous employees within each company have tenure over 20 years.  John believes the bottom line is to do well by your customers and by each other and the results will be good for all. 

As members of Evergreen Marketing Group we are able to maintain a high level of ongoing training both for management and sales staff.  This group provides quality training programs that focus on helping distributors sustain competitive advantage and develop and retain employees.  Partnering between distributor members and preferred suppliers allows numerous programs that provide the latest training on new products available in the marketplace.   

The thread that runs through this 50 year history is still the same as it was when John, with the help of his employees, grew this company to the point that it is today.  We hope that you will allow our organization to be of service in our continuing effort to provide the highest quality care for you, our customer.